Lapping Analysis: Spring Mountain Race Track

The following observations are based on Milner's fastest lap in each of the Corvettes we tested.

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One quick glance at our data is all it takes to see that Milner's Corvette C6.R race car absolutely dominates on the 1.5-mile Radical Loop at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. Not with its power, as you might expect, but with its grip. And grip also accounts for most of the performance differences with the other Corvettes here, except for the ZR1 and Z06, which have similar speed traces because they have so much in common and are equipped with the same aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. The following observations are based on Milner's fastest lap in each of the Corvettes we tested.

A

Braking into B, the C6.R isn't as hard on the binders as the street Vettes. The race car has no ABS, and it can carry more speed through the turn.

B

We used this long sweeping corner to test PTM. Cornering forces are lower than expected here because the track is slightly off-camber.

C

Hard braking ensues into this tight, well banked corner. Once in the corner, it's a full throttle ride out no matter what Corvette Tommy's driving.

D

The dreaded dip is here, and Tommy takes it flat-out in each Corvette. Slight hiccups in data reveal just how much of a gut check it is. The Z06 and ZR1 run a dead heat around here. The GS was slowed by a long shift to 3rd that upset the car slightly before the dip.

E

No braking for this sweeper. It's just a lift that slows the cars down for this high-speed right. The data clearly show the cornering abilities of each Corvette. Note how the Z06 carries a tad more speed than the more powerful ZR1, but loses its advantage by the end of the straight. The 500-bhp C6.R, of note, has a 15-mph advantage over the 638-bhp ZR1 early in the section, but that is reduced to a 5-mph edge at the braking point for F.

F

This decreasing radius corner is not friendly to cars that understeer. The Grand Sport shows its sporting mettle here by almost keeping up with the ZR1. This is where the lighter Z06 gaps the ZR1, and where the base Corvette struggles the most.

G

This is the entry to the rhythm section of the track. Another decreasing radius turn that requires patience to get a good run through H.

H

If the GS had more power, it may have been able to keep pace with the ZR1. Its Goodyears do a superb job of keeping up with the ZR1's racy Michelins.

I

This hairpin isn't much different than C, but the track is flat. The GS struggles again with a slow 2-3 upshift, while the race car paddle-shifts its way through three gears.

J

This high-speed right is daunting. Again, the GS impresses, nearly keeping up with the ZR1. The C6.R has a huge edge here, again showing the advantage of its light weight and excellent grip.